What is the recommended ladder angle for a stable setup?

• A. About 60 degrees
• B. About 45 degrees
• C. About 75 degrees
• D. About 30 degrees

Answer: (C)

A stable ladder setup is achieved when the ladder sits at about a 75-degree angle. This matches the 4-to-1 rule: for every four feet of ladder height, place the base about one foot away from the wall. That angle creates the right balance of forces so the base isn’t likely to slide out and the top isn’t likely to slip down. If the ladder is too shallow (base too far from the wall), stability decreases as the base tends to push outward under load; if it’s too steep (closer to vertical), it’s more prone to tipping or the top sliding down. So, around 75 degrees is the safest, most stable setup.